Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Jillian Lawrence,  Founder of Jillian Lawrence, Inc., located in Duncan, BC, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I am a holistic marketing coach and website designer. I work primarily with purpose-led entrepreneurs who have the drive to help others and be of service to the greater good. Often these folks come to me because they want to create change but aren't sure exactly what it looks like or how to articulate it.

Through my process called "The Mindful Marketing Method," I help my clients discover how their purpose can be expressed in their business and who they might best serve with their unique skills. I thoughtfully design websites and give marketing guidance that reflects their greatness and helps them to share their offering with ease and confidence.

Tell us about yourself

I started my business out of a need, and it has been such an incredible surprise to witness my purpose unfold in the process. My youngest was starting kindergarten, and I was looking for a career that would allow flexibility so that I could be available for her and her brother around the school schedule. I had just spent the previous five years as a stay home mom and decided to hone in on my marketing experience from my pre-baby corporate career and start my own business.

I now see entrepreneurship as a tool to deepen my self-discovery. I've learned so much about myself over the course of the last six years as a business owner that I wouldn't have discovered had I not stepped onto this path. It has definitely had its challenges, but I wouldn't trade it for the world.

I see a huge gap in the world of business between someone having an idea and having a successful business. I'm driven by my desire to help people fill in that gap with a better understanding of how to reach their ideal clients and create lasting relationships for long-term success. I teach people that you don't have to do what everyone else is doing to create a successful business you love - your people will find you when you're yourself.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Lasting this long, lol. There have been so many times I wanted to give up because I felt stuck, overwhelmed, or exhausted. I realized the world of business is very masculine in its energy. There's a lot of push to "go-go-go," and it's known for its burnout culture. As a self-described "former people pleaser," at first, I got swept up in that hype until I burned out. I attribute my lasting success to the fact that I learned quickly to make my own well-being a priority and go at my own pace

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

You don't know what you don't know. Most people start a business because they see an opportunity or want to share something with others, but so many people don't understand how much is involved with running a business.

Marketing alone will take up a huge chunk of your time, and there are so many other little admin tasks that need to be done that we don't account for or aren't even aware of. If you're really good at what you do, it doesn't necessarily translate that you'll make a really great business owner. I think that's why so many businesses fail. It takes a lot of drive and a lot of trial and error.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Let go of the outcome. While it's great to have a vision and goals, it can be really restricting if you are attached to particular outcomes. Get curious about your struggles and see what you can learn from things that feel like failures. I know so many people say this, but they say it because it's true - you'll have 1000 failures before you find success, and if you give up, you could be just one failure away from success!
  2. Be mindful of the demand on your time. At first, it feels like saying yes to everything is a great way to get exposure, learn more, and fill your calendar. But over time, saying yes to everything can be exhausting, especially if you have commitments outside of your business, like a partner and/or kids. Learning how to decern opportunities and include downtime and rest throughout your day is super important!
  3. Don't do what everyone else is doing. It's great to have mentors and teachers throughout the process of building a business, but it's always important to check in with yourself to see if their guidance is something that aligns with you or not. If you follow someone else's blueprint for business, chances are you'll be led off the path of your own unique purpose.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

So often, we listen to other people's opinions about how we should be or what we should be doing. The people we love the most are usually the ones who can plant seeds of doubt in our minds, having us question our intentions and our purpose. If you have something in your heart that you want to create and you feel a calling, a nudge, or a full-on push to do it, just do it. Take the leap of faith and trust you'll know what to do in every challenge that arises.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.jillianlawrence.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillianlawrence.inc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillianlawrence.inc/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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